Manchester United’s Search for a Permanent Manager: The Case for Michael Carrick

According to Gary Neville, Manchester United has initiated the search for a permanent manager, with plans to reach a decision towards the end of the season. Notable candidates include Oliver Glasner and Andoni Iraola, who are both set to become free agents, as well as England’s current manager, Thomas Tuchel, who may become available after the World Cup. However, with each victory, the case for making Michael Carrick the permanent manager continues to strengthen.

Carrick has enjoyed a remarkable start as United’s manager, the best since Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who was initially appointed on an interim basis before securing a longer contract after a string of 14 wins in 19 matches. Carrick has emphasized that the club will avoid making a hasty decision, as seen in the past.

Former United midfielder Owen Hargreaves is a proponent of Carrick’s candidacy for the permanent position, suggesting that unless the club can attract either Tuchel or Paris Saint-Germain’s Luis Enrique, Carrick should be the frontrunner. Hargreaves stated, “I don’t see how you couldn’t give it to him. From where they were and the noise surrounding them, if he finishes third or fourth, how could you not?”

Hargreaves pointed out that while experience may be a concern, Carrick’s current success should take precedence. He remarked, “Right now, the most important thing is not the manager or the players; it’s about the football club winning. Carras is the architect of that success. Why would you change that?”

Reflecting on past managerial tenures, Hargreaves noted that big-name managers like Van Gaal and Mourinho did not necessarily guarantee success at Old Trafford. He believes that United’s best strategy would be to build a long-term vision under Carrick, who has established a strong rapport with the players in a short time.

“Names don’t guarantee success. Instead, they often bring increased expectations,” Hargreaves added. He advocates for continuity with Carrick, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a positive atmosphere as the team performs well.

Having first met Carrick while playing for the England Under-21 team in 2001, Hargreaves described him as a composed individual who remains true to himself amidst external pressures. “He carries himself with class and treats everyone with respect. He’s a smart guy who understands that coaching is about helping people improve,” Hargreaves explained.

Carrick has already overseen a longer winning streak in his brief tenure than previous manager Amorim did over 14 months. He now has the opportunity to match the club’s longest run of victories in two years during an upcoming match against his former club, West Ham, which will be broadcast live on TNT Sports.

TNT Sports will also feature all ten Premier League matches this week, including Chelsea vs. Leeds, Tottenham vs. Newcastle, and Everton vs. Bournemouth on Tuesday. On Wednesday, Manchester City will host Fulham, while Liverpool aims to recover from a recent setback against Sunderland. Additionally, matches featuring Crystal Palace vs. Burnley, Aston Villa vs. Brighton and Hove Albion, and Nottingham Forest vs. Wolves will take place. Thursday will see Premier League leaders Arsenal visiting Brentford.